Families Demand Inquiry as IPP Sentences Leave Loved Ones ‘Destroyed’ and Mentally Ill

Man who served 18 years receives a two-year sentence, leaving him 'devastated' as families urge for an investigation

Family members of individuals incarcerated under the former IPP sentence are requesting a parliamentary probe into the mental health services provided to their relatives.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Monday, October 7, 2024, at 9

Relatives are demanding an investigation into the mental health support available to prisoners serving open-ended sentences, arguing that it could potentially be life-saving.

Family members of inmates who remain incarcerated under the previously eliminated indefinite sentencing policy termed imprisonment for public protection (IPP) argue that a lack of resources has led to persistent mental health problems among these prisoners.

They've sent a letter to the Justice Select Committee of the parliament, pressing for an investigation now that a new administration has taken office.

Correspondence viewed by Sky News reveals that relatives have linked the decline in their family members' mental health to an indefinite prison term, which has been labeled as a kind of "psychological torture" by experts in human rights.

Clara White informed the members of the still-to-be-established committee, following the general election, that her brother, Thomas White, who spent 12 and a half years behind bars for the theft of a mobile phone, now suffers from psychosis due to the IPP sentence he received.

"Since 2016, Thomas has exhibited signs of religious hallucinations, delusional religious beliefs, and atypical thought processes," she noted.

"Thomas' current struggle with paranoid schizophrenia can be attributed to the conditions he endured during his lengthy 12-and-a-half-year stint in prison."

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"In my letter, I am requesting that you think about initiating an investigation into the services provided for mental health," she further stated.

"I am convinced that this measure would prevent deaths in detention."

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What does 'IPP sentences' refer to?

From 2005 until their abolition in 2012, courts had the authority to hand down IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences

They were designed for severe violent and sexual criminals who represented a major threat of serious harm to the public, yet whose offenses did not justify a life sentence.

Despite the government's intention of safeguarding the public, worries emerged that IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences were excessively widespread, ensnaring not only serious criminals but also lesser offenders, who frequently found themselves incarcerated far longer than their original sentences.

In 2012, the coalition government eliminated the sentence, however, the amendment was not implemented retrospectively. As a result, almost 3,000 inmates are still incarcerated, with approximately 1,200 of them having never been set free.

As of now, there have been 90 instances where individuals serving IPP (Imprisonment for Public Protection) sentences have

Amid an overcrowding emergency in UK prisons, justice advocates are urging the Ministry of Justice to reevaluate the sentences of IPP prisoners, potentially allowing them to receive a set release date for the first time.

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'IPP has torn our family apart'

Cherrie Nichol's sibling, Aaron Graham, was 26 when he received a prison sentence of two years and 124 days in 2005 for inflicting serious bodily injury. Eighteen years have passed, and he is still incarcerated.

In a written communication to the panel, Ms. Nichol expressed that her brother has become a mere fragment of the person he once was, enduring severe mental health issues stemming from his IPP sentence.

"She expressed that the uncertainty of his future and the timing of his release has devastated both him and the entire family."

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She expressed her disbelief that the prison service was adequately prepared to handle the repercussions from the discontinuation of the IPP, resulting in numerous individuals "remaining in despair without prospects, with a revolving door of professionals unable to make decisions."

"She continued, emphasizing the urgent plea from both families and advocates for you to recognize the mental health challenges stemming from the IPP."

Incarcerated individuals 'should not be overlooked'

During a recent discussion on Sky News, the incoming chair of the Justice Select Committee, Andy Slaughter, emphasized the importance of the government not neglecting inmates still held under IPP sentences.

The Labour representative for Hammersmith and Chiswick, who previously worked as a solicitor, pointed out that more than a decade has passed since the abolition of IPPs, yet there are still over 1,000 individuals who have never been freed from prison.

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"He said that there is universal agreement that the current situation is incorrect and that a resolution must be reached for incarcerated individuals. However, there's a prevailing concern that resentencing might encompass individuals who pose a threat."

Mr. Slaughter mentioned that a resentencing exercise, also advocated for by Bob Neill, the previous Conservative head of the justice committee, would enable a clear and professional evaluation of each specific case.

This implies that the solution is not a temporary or makeshift one; rather, it is a thorough and well-planned solution that could take as long as two years to fully implement.

"Major reforms such as resentencing fall under the government's purview to decide upon. However, these prisoners are often overlooked, and I hope that addressing their situation becomes a priority."

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A representative from the Ministry of Justice stated, "It was a correct decision to eliminate IPP sentences. We are now reducing the license durations for reformed offenders significantly, allowing them opportunities to progress in their lives."

"Prioritizing public safety, the lord chancellor is collaborating with various organizations and advocacy groups to take necessary measures to assist those who are currently serving these sentences."

If you're experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide, support is available through Samaritans by dialing 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, you can reach out to your local Samaritans chapter or contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-TALK.

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